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At the time of the GSO award, Natalene was an undergraduate student in the Bachelor of Health Sciences program at Â鶹ÊÓƵ University. Natalene's main interests include improving supports and services for marginalized groups, particularly those with disabilities. She worked as a program assistant at a Respite program for individuals with disabilities and volunteers as a Logistics Director for a non-profit that aims to provide accessible programming for youth with disabilities as well as educate on topics in disability studies. Natalene was also excited to be co-president of the Â鶹ÊÓƵ Sign Language Club, where she hoped to facilitate learning of American Sign Language as well as break misconceptions about Deaf and Hard of Hearing Communities.

As a Global Skills Opportunity (GSO) awardee, Natalene travelled to South Africa to work with the South Africa Center for Evidence (SACE) and the National Department of Planning, Monitoring, and Evaluation (DPME). Natalene worked on a joint project that aimed to synthesize evidence on Gender-Based Violence (GBV) and also engaged with GBV stakeholders. During her internship, she aimed to develop her understanding of health systems and policy-making processes in South Africa, strengthen her cultural competency skills, and build global connections.